The posting
Location: Dover, Kent CT17 0UF
Expected Start Date: ASAP
Medical Engineering Technologies (MET) is a specialist medical device testing company supporting medical device and pharmaceutical companies across more than 20 countries worldwide. Its laboratories carry out a wide range of testing on medical devices, from mechanical performance and design validation through to chemical characterisation, packaging validation and stability studies. MET helps companies demonstrate the quality, safety and performance of products before they reach the market.
As a Laboratory Technician Apprentice, you’ll join MET’s Combinations & Physical Testing Department, gaining hands-on experience in the laboratory and learning how medical devices are tested. Working alongside experienced colleagues, you’ll support laboratory testing, collect and accurately record test data, and learn how work is carried out in line with MET’s procedures and quality standards.
🔗 About Company
The Package
- Starting salary: £15,000 per annum
- Annual leave: 20 days per year
- Working hours: 35 hours per week, typically 8:00am to 4:00pm with a 1-hour unpaid lunch break
- NEST company pension
- 5 days’ full-pay sick pay, discretionary
- On-site parking
Key Responsibilities
We are pleased to offer an opportunity for a Laboratory Technician Apprentice to join MET’s Combinations & Physical Testing Department, gaining hands-on experience supporting the testing of medical devices within a professional laboratory environment.
This apprenticeship will give you the opportunity to develop practical laboratory skills while learning how testing is carried out accurately and in line with established procedures and quality standards. You’ll gain experience across areas including:
- Carrying out laboratory testing on medical devices in line with approved protocols and test methods
- Collecting and accurately recording test data and completing test documentation
- Supporting the monitoring of laboratory equipment, including ovens, fridges and incubators
- Learning how laboratory work is carried out in line with ISO standards, internal procedures and MET’s Quality Management System
- Supporting laboratory housekeeping and stock management
About You
You’re genuinely interested in medical devices and keen to understand how they are tested to ensure results are accurate and reliable. You have strong attention to detail and take pride in getting things right, particularly when following procedures, recording information and completing work accurately.
You’re organised, reliable and have a strong work ethic. You’re comfortable working within clear procedures and quality standards, managing your time effectively and communicating clearly with the people around you. You enjoy being part of a team and are confident working with colleagues across different areas, including Quality Assurance (QA).
You’re proactive in your approach and willing to learn, ask questions and continually develop your knowledge. An Engineering or Science A-level, or previous experience working in a science laboratory, would be an advantage, but these are not essential requirements.
Please note: You must be 18+ for this role.
Apprenticeship Eligibility
To apply for this apprenticeship, you must:
✔️ Be 18 or over ✔️ Not be in full-time education ✔️ Have lived in the UK for at least 3 years ✔️ Have the right to work in the UK
Apprenticeships are designed to provide new knowledge, skills and behaviours, so applicants should not already hold a Level 3, degree or higher qualification in a closely related subject, or have significant experience in the same field.
If you’re unsure whether you meet the criteria, we’d still love to hear from you, get in touch and we can advise you further.
So how does the apprenticeship work?
Start your career as a laboratory technician and gain hands-on experience supporting real scientific work in a professional laboratory or technical environment.
As part of this Level 3 Laboratory Technician apprenticeship, you’ll learn how to carry out tests, analyse data, and contribute to important projects, whether that’s in a laboratory or a more practical, site-based environment.
👉 Learn more about the programme here.
Over 20 months, you’ll combine day-to-day experience in your role with structured training delivered by expert tutors at Tiro. Our blended learning approach includes a mix of online sessions, in-person training, and hands-on support, alongside guidance from a dedicated mentor in the workplace.
You’ll spend at least 6 hours per week on off-the-job training, including virtual learning, practical activities, and applied assignments.
What your training will look like:
You’ll follow a structured programme combining live sessions, online learning, and hands-on workplace training to build your skills step by step.
What could your future look like?
This apprenticeship will help you build the skills and experience needed to start your career as a laboratory technician and progress within the industry.
Through hands-on training, you’ll develop the competence and confidence to carry out laboratory testing and take on increasing responsibility in your role. This programme can also lead to professional recognition, such as becoming a Registered Science Technician (RSciTech).
You’ll gain experience that’s valued across a wide range of technical and scientific roles, opening up opportunities to grow and specialise in your chosen field.
If you choose to continue your development, you may also have the opportunity to progress onto higher-level qualifications, such as degree apprenticeships in Biology, Materials, or Chemistry.
